Island border regions on the routes of irregular maritime migration. The Canary Islands (Spain) in the transit of African migration to Europe

Abstract:

The pronounced inequality between living conditions in European and African countries, combined with restrictive migration policies implemented at the southern border of the European Union, cause irregular maritime migrations through various routes that depart from the African coasts. Some islands in the Mediterranean and Atlantic play an important role on these routes. The Canary Islands, part of the West African Atlantic route, are currently experiencing a new episode of large arrivals. The article analyzes the insertion of the Canary Islands in the migration management of the European Union at its southern border, identifies the causes of the intensification of arrivals and describes the difficulties in the reception and transit of migrants.

Keywords:
irregular maritime migration; island regions; migration routes; migration reception; Canary Islands